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Letters March 17, 2011

I am the pastor of Christ Ascension Lutheran Church in Chestnut Hill and the father of a Green Woods Charter School student.
I am writing in support of Green Woods’ proposed move to Greylock Manor. The school has been recognized by the state and the nation for its academic achievements and would be a positive educational presence in the neighborhood.

As a local clergyperson, I have spoken with some of my colleagues and other community members about the move. I believe that practical concerns like traffic and impact on the neighborhood can be addressed and solved with community and school leaders working together. Green Woods has shown itself to be transparent in its actions and eager to be a good neighbor.

Several features of this proposed move might appear promising to members of local faith communities.

First, Green Woods’ focus on environmental stewardship addresses a major moral and spiritual issue of our day. I am often impressed at how well my first-grader is learning to care for the earth, its creatures and resources as part of her school curriculum. My family, church, and many other congregations share this commitment to environmental stewardship.

Second, while there are differing perspectives about the role of charter schools, there is no doubt that Green Woods is already providing excellent public education within the city. I know that whether families in my congregation attend public or private schools, we all view education as another moral issue that affects the quality of life for individuals and communities. I am confident that Green Woods will continue to do a great job of educating a new generation in Northwest Philadelphia in a way that the entire community can be proud of.

Finally, considering Green Woods’ current emphasis on environmental stewardship and its desire to be a good neighbor in Chestnut Hill, I am excited about a new possibility. By fusing these interests, Green Woods has a unique chance to integrate environmental awareness with vibrant city living. In the end, it is our attention to practical matters like land use and traffic that shows us most clearly what it means to care for our community.

For these reasons, I believe that Green Woods will be a good partner in Chestnut Hill. Thank you for your thoughtful consideration.

The Rev. Dr. Martin J. LohrmannChestnut Hill

Modeern Big Belly solar compactors have place in historic neighborhood

Those of us who are fortunate enough to reside in this most beautiful part of the city sometimes take for granted our presence here among the cobblestone streets, the quaint village atmosphere, the centuries-old houses and the natural beauty of the area. But, though the past is very much a part of Chestnut Hill we must live in the present, think about and prepare for the future and preserve what we can. The use of solar-trash compactors in the Chestnut Hill community will help to accomplish all three and more.

Native-American beliefs requires us to respect and preserve our environment for the seventh generation. Might this hold true for all peoples? The use of natural energy is a step in this direction. Who of us would wish to deny this right to respect and preserve this wonderful piece of earth we live on.

Susan and Don Zipin Chestnut Hill

Freedom of expression

“And, as recently as the Supreme Court’s ruling in favor of the virulently homophobic Westboro Baptist Church’s rights to picket military funerals” — quoting from Pete Mazzaccaro’s editorial column, Thursday, March 10.

According to the Supreme Court it is “freedom of speech,” however, nothing would please me more than to see Westboro church members picketing the funeral of a member of the military who gave his life for our freedom and to have the family and friends of the deceased walk over to those demonstrators, put their feet up “where the sun don’t shine” and wrap the signs around the necks of the demonstrators.

I am sure we would call the actions of the family and friends of the deceased “Freedom of Expressionism.”

Don’cha’ think?

Tom WoodruffOreland

Puzzled by Acronyms

I keep saying that I do not like the world I live in today.

So much has changed since I was younger – even in my 60s. One thing that I find so difficult: now initials are used for everything, instead of words; so today I was reading about a PAL meeting – and it was a Police Athletic League meeting. There are a million initials for all kinds of things, some I learned recently: COPD and DROP though occasionally I forget the second one. I always wish articles that refer to the initialed stuff would at least include what it stands for at the beginning of the article.

As I leaf through the paper I read the names of so many movie stars that I do not know. This wouldn’t be a problem unless I enjoyed doing crossword puzzles. The puzzles often put the first or last name and the clue is the other one (which I cannot remember). Occasionally, I do remember one – recently it said Mubarack and I remembered Hosni (I hope that is correct) and last week it was Menuhin and I remembered Yehudi.

But those are exceptions and there are countless references I cannot connect at all. So maybe I will have to give up puzzles soon, and that will be a disappointment as it is something I have truly enjoyed for years.

The new puzzle maker for the Inquirer, Wayne Robert Williams, is very good. At first glance I might not see any word I know. I may find one, and then it helps me work around it, up and down, and sometimes, eventually I complete the whole puzzle. It is usually do-able on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. On Thursday and Friday I may get only two answers and not be able to get any more.

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